The Essex 1000 will go to Wales and back. It won't just be in the east of England.

It might be worth noting that previous PBPs have had a system where riders can enter PBP earlier depending on the longest brevet they rode the previous year.

Certainly worth noting - though the chances of a mere 600k being insufficient to get a place are extremely thin.

Every person who entered PBP15 was able to start, if qualified, so even a 200 would be plenty in reality but there will inevitably be a huge demand for riding a 1000 BRM next year. Just like last time.

Has the loop out to Seascale changed direction for next year? The list of controls reads Arnside, Seascale, Keswick so assume out over Wrynose & Hardknott and back over Whinlatter?

Mulling over an entry....

Does that mean going down Hardknott? Wouldn't fancy that in the wet!

You always have to go down one side of Hardknott. They're both scary in the wet

I don't think going down Hardknott that way would be any worse in the wet than heading from west to east and the descent from wrynose to cockley beck would certainly be a good deal better. It's not a deal breaker either way I just like to get the route right in my head before entering 😬

I have drafted a route based on Andy's published text in the Audax UK calendar entry http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-62/https://ridewithgps.com/routes/244919951004.9km + 12769mNote that:1) From Ambleside the 2018 route goes west across Wrynose and Hardknott Passes to Seascale (this will mean passing the 'Esk Fest' site https://www.eskfest.com/: much earlier thus missing its wonderful music and, err, aroma)2) Selects Keswick as a control as opposed to Whinlatter Pass (which is nevertheless climbed - 179km) - Siskins Cafe at Whinlatter closes at 5pm3) Uses Sedbergh as a control on Friday and Saturday nights, but Askrigg on Sunday night (NB not certain of the last assertion as conflicting info in AC's details but the distances work for Askrigg and don't for Sedbergh). This will make Day 3 a welcome 32km shorter than in the 2017 edition.4) From Sedbergh heads NE for Stanhope morning of Day 2, past the Howgills/Wild Boar Fell via Kirkby Stephen, Brough and Middleton (ie not via Hawes). There is 1400m of climb in the first 80km: which compares with 1600m of climb in 70km in 2016 (Askrigg to above Crawleyside/Stanhope) and similar in 2017 (Hawes to above Crawleyside/Stanhope).5) Resurrects the high road across to Lockerbie (control) from Langholm (as 2016 route)6) For the last 100km dash, leaves Askrigg and from Hawes heads SW past the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct https://www.visitcumbria.com/carlset/ribblehead-viaduct/ and through Ingleton (as in 2016)

Via Wasdale Head, Styhead and Seatoller: 10 miles less and 100+m climb less. Thank you for the 'heads up', Deano. Worth thinking about, though maybe not on road tyres. I first walked that route in Easter 66.

I have drafted a route based on Andy's published text in the Audax UK calendar entry http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-62/https://ridewithgps.com/routes/244919951004.9km + 12769mNote that:1) From Ambleside the 2018 route goes west across Wrynose and Hardknott Passes to Seascale (this will mean passing the 'Esk Fest' https://www.eskfest.com/: and missing its wonderful music and, err, aroma)2) Selects Keswick as a control as opposed to Whinlatter Pass (which is nevertheless climbed)3) Uses Sedbergh as a control on Friday and Saturday night, but Askrigg on Sunday night (NB not certain of the last assertion as conflicting info in AC's details but the distances work for Askrigg and don't for Sedbergh)4) From Sedbergh heads for Stanhope past the Howgills/Wild Boar Fell via Kirkby Stephen, Brough and Middleton (ie not via Hawes). There is 1400m of climb in the first 80km: which compares with 1600m of climb in 70km in 2016 (Askrigg to above Crawleyside/Stanhope) and similar in 2017 (Hawes to above Crawleyside/Stanhope).5) Resurrects the high road across to Lockerbie (control) from Langholm (as 2016 route)6) For the last 100km dash, leaves Askrigg and from Hawes heads SW past the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct https://www.visitcumbria.com/carlset/ribblehead-viaduct/ and through Ingleton (as in 2016)

Enjoy!

Looks like a collage of 4 of the hilliest rides I've done, thanks! I keep thinking about signing up for this one, need a challenge to focus on through the winter months. 1000km and 12.75 AAA would seem to fit the bill!

Yes! The reason for the change in direction through the Lake District is to ensure that all the riders cross over both Wrynose and Hardknott Passes during daylight hours, taking into consideration the later start time of 11:00 am. Some of the slower riders crossed the passes in twilight last year. Also, the A591 between Keswick & Grasmere is better for night-riding, possibly with lower traffic volumns.

The change in direction, climbing Wrynose and Harknott Passes from the east (distance neutral btw), has three more benefits besides daylight riding, two of which Andy may not be aware:1) Makes a nice change2) Gets the riders through and past the Esk fest site (near the bottom of the Hardknott descent) before the festival attendees (running 6-7 July 2018) have started to drive the Eskdale valley road and the Wrynose/Cockley Beck/Hardknott road3) The riders will be able to ride the Cold Fell road (Calder Bridge to Eskdale Green) at a time which does not coincide with the 'rat run' traffic taking that route from Sellafield north after their shift ending at 4pm (or whatever).

Doing Wrynose first gives better views. The descent through Little Langdale is narrow and technical, so there's no opportunity to appreciate the landscape. Coming off Hardknott you get a view of the Roman fort. Dunmail Raise is also easier to do from the North.